Sr. Jane and Marianne DiTommaso (right) in front of the new Sr. Jane Manor residence.

Saint Joseph’s Medical Center (SJMC) officially dedicated a new residence in Staten Island on July 31, 2018, that will accommodate forty-nine residents. The new facility, “Sr. Jane Manor,” honors Sister Jane Iannucelli, SC, President of the Sisters of Charity of New York and the entire Congregation. Family, friends, staff, residents and many Sisters were happy to gather in Staten Island for the special event.

The dedication opened with a prayer by Sister Sheila Brosnan, SC, Regional Coordinator for the Sisters of Charity and native Staten Islander. With the assistance of Marianne DiTommaso, V.P. of Residential Services for SJMC, Michael Spicer, President and CEO, dedicated the building in honor or Sister Jane, who has a special bond with SJMC and with St. Vincent’s behavioral health programs. “Throughout her life, she has reached out to communities and people in need to provide education, food and support for the homeless, and health care for the neediest among us. On Staten Island, her work as Senior Vice President of Sisters of Charity Health Care and subsequently with the Sisters of Charity Housing Development fund has created a network of services to meet the needs of Staten Islanders,” said Mr. Spicer. He also noted that the dedication coincided with the 209th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Charity by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

From left: Michael Spicer, Steven Brown, Sr. Jane, and Valerie Giacomazza join in blessing Sr. Jane Manor.

Two residents of the Sr. Jane Manor, Steven Brown and Valerie Giacomazza, stepped forward to express their gratitude for the opportunities and assistance offered to them at the new facility and for the apartments they now call home.

As she approached the podium, Sister Jane was visibly moved by the honor. “Thanks to my family, the Sisters with whom I live and all my Sisters of Charity and colleagues who are here today. Your presence means a great deal to me. This building would be just that, a building, if not for each and every resident and staff member. Congratulations to all who have brought you to this moment of time.”

Guests and residents moved into the lobby where Mr. Spicer and Sr Jane unveiled the dedication plaque as residents Steve and Valerie looked on. At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests were invited to tour the rooms and apartments.

“This building is dedicated to Sr. Jane Iannucelli, SC, and the Sisters of Charity of New York, who inspire us to continue their mission of caring and compassion for all. July 31, 2018”

The newly-renovated building at 101 Tompkins Avenue consists of three separate programs, all fully funded by the New York Staff Office of Mental Health. Sr. Jane Apartments, a 19-unit supportive residence for adults with mental illness, provides apartment suites with on-site supportive services. Chait House and Chait Residence are two community residence programs that provide transitional housing. All programs are staffed 24/7 and provide recovery-oriented behavioral health supportive services. Saint Joseph Medical Center is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Charity Ministry Network.

Photos by Elena Miranda and Thomas Altfather Good